Program control apparatus



May 19, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 18, 1952 May 19, 1953 w. B. DOLPH 2,638,980

PROGRAM CONTROL APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 D. C. PULSES 70 Cl OCK INVENTOR Mlliam 0.20%

ATTORNEYS May 19, 1953 w. B. DOLPH PROGRAM CONTROL APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 18, 1952 $3 wksmlowq A q A A I 3 A no N \W A.

3m hm Nm NR. @0002 100000 0000B 0000B INVENTOR William fiflflolph B E N R O W A y 1953 w. B. DOLPH' PROGRAM CONTROL APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 18, 1952 MEDIROkQ 3R Eh 6528 A F llllll L 1 N VE NTOR William bflfldplv ATTORNEYS May 19, 1953 w. B. DOLPH I 2,638,980

7 PROGRAM CONTROL APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 comma;

FOE FHA 55?;

0'. c. ksmv POWER g N I $3 I-NVENT'OR 3 Imam 3.00911 FX M ATTORNEYS other guests or participants.

Patented May 19, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PROGRAM CONTROL APPARATUS William B. Dolph, Washington, D. 0.

Application June- '18, 1952, Serial No. 294,210

of actuation to a plurality of microphones which may be actuated at will, so that the overall total period of actuation of all of the microphones will always be a predetermined constant;

' Whereas in radio and television programs of the forum or debate type, it is ordinarily expected that all guests or participants will be allowed equal periods of time in which to present their views and in which to contradict the assertions of 4 other guests, in practice the guests more often than not repeatedly interrupt one another, with the common result that one or more of the guests or participants has utilized more than his share of the total time to the detriment of one or more Anyone familiar with this type of program'has undoubtedly wit- .nessed the abortive eiiorts of the moderator or master of ceremonies to control such monopolization of time, and it is quite obvious that a perfectly equitable distribution of time by this means is impossible. v

While it is desirable that each guest be allowed to present his arguments and to rebut his opponents arguments for a time exactly equal to that used by his opponent, yet it is not desirable completely to eliminate the lively discussion which results when guests with opposing viewpoints are allowed to answer a particular argument without waiting. for the termination of a set period of time.

In short, it is highly desirable that the guests be allowed to interrupt one another so long as the total time used by all guests is equal.

A program which is conducted in the foregoing manner would enjoy the widespread public acceptance now accorded forum-type programsand would undoubtedly enjoy even greater popular-1 ity in view of the equitable manner in which the contestants were handled and in view of the clock-watching? attitude which would be induced on the part of the participants and .the

audience. A participant, after once having found" that'his total time had been used and his microto-be energizedfor equal predeterminedtotal eriod's ofactuation, the microphones being ac- --tuatable at "will by the participants, so that the sequential overallperiod of actuation of all micro- 16 Claims. (01. 16117) 2 phones will total a predetermined duration or time.

It is a further object of this invention toprovide such an apparatus wherein the program will be always conducted within its time limits and wherein one microphone will always be energized and actuated. i

It is a further object of this invention to make the time period allotted each participant visible to the audience so that they may tell at a glance how much remaining time each participant has.

It is also an object of this invention to make such times visible to the participants so that they may determine at a glance the time remainin to themselves and to each of their opponents.

It is a further object of this invention to provide large stylized clocks which will run only during the time that the microphone associated with the clock is energized and actuated,

It is another object of this invention to insure that one and only one such clock is running at all times. i 'i It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus which will deenergize each microphone as its associated clock indicates that the participant's allotted time has expired.

Another object of the invention is to provide-a clock for the moderator or master of ceremonies when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: I

Figure l is a front view of one of the large clocks used in the invention,

Figure 2 is a vertical cross section taken on line I 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the invention, e

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a pulsing apparatus for use with the clocks of the invention,

Fi-bure 5 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the invention, I

Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of still affurther embodiment of the invention,

Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a microphone amplifier and integrator to be used with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure6, and

"Figure8 is a circuit diagram of a comparator and clock actuator and deactuator device for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6.

The clock shown in Figures 1 and 2 is of such a size and design as to be readily readable by a large audience, and is adapted to be so placed in association with a particular guest or participant as to be visible to the audience and readily associated with that participant. The clock comprises an outer rectangular frame II) upon which is mounted a bearing plate I! which has formed integral therewith a bearing I2. Journaled in bearing I2 is a sleeve I3 which rotatably carries clock drive shaft I4 which is actuated by any suitable clock motor, not shown. The drive shaft I4 rotates at one revolution per minute and carries on its outer extremity the usual second hand I5. Mounted within longitudinal slots I6 in frame It is a face plate I! of a thin, .rela-- tively flexible material having a center aperture I8 and a radial vertical slit I9. Affixed to a collar on sleeve I3 is a disc 2| also constructed of thin relatively flexible material and alsohaving a radial slot 22 which matches with the slot I9 in face plate H. The collar .25 is keyed to sleeve I3 but is free to slide longitudinally thereon. Prior to the start of a program, the disc 2| is manually rotated clockwise so that the part of the disc to the right of slot I9 in Figure 1 passes over the outer face of face plate 11 so as to present a pie-shaped sector of a color contrasting with the color of face plate I! there- "by to indicate the time allotted to the parti- "cipant associated with the clock. It is in order to eliminate as much friction as .possible that the faceplate I! and disc 2| are constructed of thin flexible material and that the collar 20 .is made longitudinally slidable on sleeve I3. As

' disc 2| ismanually rotated clockwise, the collar 20 will move slightly forward or to the left as shown in Figure 2. As the clock is actuated and diminishes the pie-shaped sector visible to the audience, the collar will move in the opposite direction 'or to the right as seen in Figure 2.

"Circumferentially of the edge of disc 2i is provided 'a quarter-round guard 23 which hides the edge of disc 2| and which may, if desired, carry bearings whichwould separate disc 2| from face plate I1 to further eliminate friction. Outwardlyof guard 23 are provided numerals 24 which indicate the time remaining. Keyed or pinned to the inner or right end of sleeve I3 is a gear 25 which meshes with a gear 26 in turn driven by a pinion '21 which is formed integral with a reduction gear 28. The gear train25, 26, 2! and 28 is driven by a pinion 29 fastened 'to drive shaft I4. A'coil spring 30 is provided on sleeve I3 to urge gear 25 into its rearward position as shown. Setting the clock is accomplished by grasping the outer end of sleeve I3 and pulling it forward against the force of spring .30 thereby disengaging gear 25 from gear '26 so that disc 2 1 may be rotated to the desired position.

In Figure 3 is shown a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the invention including five large clocks designated I, 2, 3, 4 and M, which clocks are associated with five microphones IM, 2M, 3M, 4M and 'MM, one microphone and large clock'for each participant, and one microphone and large clock for the moderator. 'In addition, "each participant, including the moderator, is provided at his position with a set of five small clocks 3|, 32, 33, and 34, and 35, which small #cloks operate in synchronism with the large fclocks "and make visible to the participants the time remaining to themselves and to each other participant. All of the clocks involved are of the type which are actuated by single phase alternating current and which are stopped by disconnecting the alternating current and providing a braking pulse of direct current in a known manner.

One terminal of each microphone is connected to a common connection 36 which terminates in the microphone output load, while the other terminal'of each microphone is connected by means of leads 3'! to' a group of control switches 38, 39, 40 and 4|, the lead 42 from the moderators .microphone being connected to a microphone output lead 43 without going through a switch. The other sides of switches 38, 39, 40 and 4| are connected together to microphone output lead 43 which terminates in the microphone load, so that on closing the switch associated with a particular microphone, that microphone is energized and is ready to be actuated by its participant.

The switches 38, 3'9, 40 and 4| are grouped together at a control station or panel which .also includes a set of .small clocks 44, which clocks are connected in parallel with large clocks 'I, 2, 3, 4 and 'Mby means of trunks 45 and 46 supplying direct and alternating current power respectively. The small clocks 3|, 32, 33 and 34 and 35 are also connected in parallel with large clocks I, 2, '3, 4 and M by means of similar trunk lines, omitted here for the sake of diagram simplicity. One of the alternating current terminals of each of the large clocks I, 2, 3, 4 and M is connected by means of connection 41 to a source of alternating current supply, while the other alternating current terminals of said clocks are connected by means of trunk 48 to one set of contacts of a series of single pole double throw switches 49, 50, 5|, 52 and 53. The single poles of switches 49, 50, 5|, 52 and 53 are connected by means of connection 238 to the otherterminal of the source of alternating current for the clocks. The switches 49, 50, 5|, 52 and 53 are provided in a unit and are of that type which allow the closure of only one switch at a time, i. e., the closure of an alternating current circuit by closure of one switch opens any other switch'which might be closing any other alternating current circuit. One of the direct current terminals of each clock I, 2, .3, 4 and M is connected by means of connection 54 to the control terminal of a source of direct current pulses. The other direct current terminals of said clocks are connected .bymeans of trunk 55 to the second contacts of switches 43, 50, BI, '52 and '53, and the single poles of said switches is connected by means of the connection 238 to the other "control terminal of the source of direct current'pulses. Each small clock in the group 44 on the controllers panel is provided with an indicating light 56 which flashes on when its associated clock indicates that the particular parti'cipants time has expired.

The operation of the device is as follows:

H The controller at the controlstation initiates the program by closing an switches 38, 39, 40 and '4I, thereby energizing microphones IM, and 4M, the moderators microphone being energized .at all times. Normally the moderator will start the program with an introductor-y speech-ora commercial and his clock switch 53 will .be thrown by the controller to its left or energized position. This will actuate the mod- .eratoris .clock M and will'open the-actuating =cir- "energizing Thereafter, although the moderator may be uncial on the program would, of course, by

divider 51. nected by means of connection 61 to the anode j of. arc-like valve59, while the cathode 64 of arclike valve 59 is connected through a resistor 68 -to the negative'end of voltage divider 51, com- -pleting the anode circuits of valves 58 and 59. The control electrode 65 of arc-like valve 59 is maintained negative by means of a bias potentiali239 which is connected to said control electrode through a resistor 69, the other terminal of the bias potential being connected to resistor 68 and'thence to cathode 64 to complete the control electrode circuit; Also connected to controlelectrode 65 -'-is'-'one=--'t'erminal or a condenser .cuits to. clocks I, 2, 3' and 4 should any of them be closed. When the moderator designates a particular participant to startthe discussion, the controller will throw the appropriate clock switch 49, 50, 5| or'52 to its leftor actuated position,

thereby actuating that participants clock,- as shown for clock I in Figure. 1. When that participant stops speaking or is interrupted by-a sec- .ond participant, the controller will actuate the clock of such second participant, or of the mod- .ierato'r' inthe. event that there has been no interruption and the original speaker has merely stopped talking, and this actuation will open the alternating current supply to the original clock and will at thesame time apply a direct current braking pulse to. that clock.

;: 'Itwill be recognized that the controller, in the event that: two or more participants are speaking -;at the same time, has the option of charging that-timeto that participant whom he thinks ought rightly be charged. This selection of clocks may bebasedon the loudness of the speak- Iticipant has expired, the indicating light 56 on the controllers desk will indicate this fact, as will theclocks 44, the large clocks l, 2, 3, '4 and M, and the small clocks 3|, 32, 33, 34 and.35 on the participants desks, and the controller will thereuponopen the microphone switch 38, 39, 48 or 4| associated with that clock, thereby dethat participants microphone.

able to prevent such disqualified participant from talking, the speech will be inaudible to the audience both-in the studio and in the home, where the program is either heard on the radio orseen on television.

If it so happens that the participants have not used all of their time, the moderator. may bring about further discussion by designating particular participants and asking questions designed to'instigate further participation. The commercharged against the moderators time.

- In Figure 4 is shown the circuit'diagram of a suitable device for producing the direct current pulses needed to brake the clocks. This apparatus comprises a voltage divider 51 which is connected across a source of direct current, not

shown, and which in turn has connected across 65. 1 The anode of valve 58 is connected through a load resistor 66 .tothe positive end of voltage The cathode 6| of valve 58 is conand; condenser 11.

.18 whose other terminal is connected by means of a control switch H to a source of triggering potential 12. Thecondenser 18 is adapted to be short-circuited by a switch 13 which is mechanically linked to the switch H and which is closed when the switch II is opened and vice versa.

The control electrode 62 of high vacuum valve 58 is connected through a secondary 14 of a transformer 15 to the cathode 6| of valve 58. The valve 58 is of a structure which renders it capable of passing substantial current when it is thus biased to zero. Across resistor 68 is connected the timing circuit comprising resistor 16 To the cathode 64 of. are.- like valve,59 is connected the anode 18 of a second arc-like valve 19, the cathode 88 of said valve being connected by means of the primary 8| of transformer to a point 82 on the voltage divider 51. The control electrode 83 of said arclike' valve 19 is connected to the junction between resistor 16 and condenser 11 and is also connected to the anode 84 of a third arc-like valve85 whose cathode 86 is connected through a resistor 81 to the negative end of voltage divider 51. The control electrode 88 of. said last-named arc-like valve 85 is connected through a secondary 89 of transformer 15 toa source of bias potential 98 which terminates in the negative end of voltage divider 51.

The operation of the pulsing device .is asfollows:

High vacuum valve 58 is normally in a condition to conduct, whereas arc-like valve 59 is normally maintained non-conductive by the bias potential'239. When control switch H is closed, condenser 10 charges, causing a positive pulse on control electrode 65 which fires arc-like valve 59, and thereby causes conduction through resistor 66, high vacuum valve 58, arc-like valve 59 and resistor 68. The current through Iresistor 68 causes condenser 11 to immediately start charging, thereby gradually raising the grid potential of arc-like valve 19, which is normally maintained non-conductive by means of the bias potential obtained from the section of voltage divider 51 below the tap 82. When the condenser 11 has charged to a suflicient positive potential, the arc-like valve 19 will fire, thereby sending a pulse through primary 8! of transformer 15 which in turn causes pulses in secondaries l4 and 89 of that transformen. The pulse in secondary 14 is of such a magnitude and direction as to cause high vacuum valve 58 to cease conducting, thereby terminating the current'through resistor 66 and valves 58 and 59, and ending the direct current .pulse to the clock. The. pulse from secondary overrides the negative bias potential which has maintained arc-like valve '85 in a non-conductive condition, and causes arclike valve 85 to fire, thereby discharging timing condensorit'l'! and readying said'condenser for another cycle. The ofi time, or period between pulses, is governed 'solely by the actuation of switch H. The. condenser 18 insures that only one'pulsewill'be delivered per closure of switch Tl, whereas the switch I3 provides a meansof discharging condenser 18 so as to render it immediately available for initiating asecond pulse on another. closure of switch H.

Thus, on each closure of control switch H, which might be any In Figure 5, there is shown a. secondembodiment of the :invention wherein the. microphones are automatically :deenergized at the expiration of :the period allotted to each participant .by means of switches actuated :by'the clocks :2, 3, or 4, the lmoderators microphone never being .dee energized. This embodiment entails a circuit similar to that shown in Figure 13 except :that nficrophones IM, 2M, 3M and-4M are connected to the microphone load through the :clock actuatedswitches 9st ,192, :93 and 914. In parallel-with these switches are arranged manually operated .=sv.zitches=9.5,19 6, 9i and-98 whichenahle the controller ato reenergize any microphone which Elias Eheen automatically deenergized if .for :any reason he :so desires. The large clocks L72, '3, 4 and :M

and also the small groups of clocks 91,432, 33, 1

ated iclocks :indicate expiration of the allotted time, the clocks themselves accomplishing this 'zfun'ction.

InFigureB is 'shownsa'fully automatic embodiment of the invention wherein thecontrolstation has been :eliminated entirely, except for a :small group of switches 95, 96, 9'! and 98 which might he :placed. on the moderators desk :to enable him :to meenergize at will any microphone which has ihecome automatically deenergized. 'lnthis embodiment, 'the clocks iI,;2, 3 and '4 are again pro- :vided with switches 29.1, 292, 1-93 and 94 which will automatically deenergize itheir associated microphoneson th'eexpirationsofathe allotted periodeof ztim'e. The outpu't from the microphones :I M, 12M, -3M, AM and in addition .to feeding the microphone load throughclock switches 9.I, 922,

.t93j and 94,:and manual switches95, 95,291: and398, ;as .inithe previous-embodiment, also feed individual amplifiers, ,rectifiers and integrators 99, 1500, :;:I'.0 I I 0.2 and 103, which deliverannutputto 1;a-.:comparator,:clock actuator and deactuator :IM,

shown-sin detailinLFFigureS. .Theccomparator I'M will :actuate Lthat clock whose microphone .is adellivering an @output, or will actuate wthat clock whose microphone isdeliveringptheilargest output in The event that two or .more microphones-are delivering "an output. JByithus automaticallyop- -erating switches -:'49, -50, LEI, 5-2 and 5,3, :the.;com- 1 parator eliminates completely :the necessity :ior .:a ;,controller. .aAs ,will-be apparent, athe alternating and direct current 'suppliesztoztheclocks I I ,2, ;3,a4 -andJMar-e supplied: in the-same mannerzas inzthe :preceding two embodiments illustrated in iEig- 'HIBSCBIBJICI but the, groups :of small :clocks have :not been shown: in the interest. of i-simplicity.

The :operationaof this embodiment :is :as :fol- :lows:

The :mo'derator initiates the :program' with ,the

that speaker s clock. lhereailter,nthe comparator ,will actuate the-clock (if-the loudest speakeriin case of 1 a plurality of:simultaneous;speakers,1and will maintain the :actuation :oftthc "clock :of the last speaker in the case: of silence, i it thenibeing up: te -the" mo deratorrto spea'krto: stimulate {further iliscussion, ithereby "actuating his JLClQfik. At ixthe termination of the :time allotted a. participant, ethe switch associated with his clock will .auto- .matically deenergize -his microphone, which :may the reenergized by the -moderator through the agency ofmanua l switches '95, 96, =9Lor 98,, should 5151850 vdesire.

Any .of :the three foregoing embodiments, of the invention will thus apportion lequal :periods .of speaking time to .a plurality 'of speakers 'zW'hO may speak at will, tthereb-y assuring equitable "distribution of time within {9' predetermined total time :iorathe program. L ne invention also makes such apportionmentand its progress continuous- 1y :visible {to the audience, ,to the speakers and :to the amoclerator. it is important to ;note that-.-the invention does not provide :for rmere ;,actuation of the i clocks during the time that-the associated microphones are actuated, since this would re- ;sult fin simultaneous actuationiof more :than one :clock thereby rendering the length of the program indefinite, but the "invention provides for actuation of :the (clocks in -response :to actuation io'f ;the microphones ionly in .a sequential Pmanner.

Referring :now to Figure there is shown the diagram of ,a suitable amplifier ;.IIl5, rectifier :I 06 and integrator I01. The amplifier 11:05, ;which:is shown "by way. of illustrative example .only, 1.00m-

prises -.a pentode t 08 connected in :a conventional circuit to amplif'ywthe input delivered :to its con- ;trol (electrode I09, and :to deliver :such amplified input to a load resistor 2H1]. iCOIlIlECtBd across load :resistor M0 by imeans of .:a coupling condenser ?IiIII is a half-wave rectifier ;I [:2 in series with a cathode resistor .I,I.3. Across said cathode resistor M3 is connected the integratorpcircuit comprising resistor :Ii-IA .andcondenser 11-5, :the integrated direct current output'beingataken from condenser I;I ;5. Theopera-tion :of 'thQrCiiCllit will beobvious in that pentodezliflfl amplifies theaudio signal :in a well-known manner and thesignal is then rectified by rectifier 112 :and integratedrby iintegratingcircuit I, Hi, and the amplified, integrated output -:taken;from condenser ,IzI 5.

Referring now to figure F8 wherein :is shown J-the 4 circuit of .aisiiitablecomparator, jthe outputs from the :foregoing iamplifier, :rectifier and intograter circuits are fed :to control electrodes ..I2I, I22, I23, I24 and oflcathode'cfollowers :I-Ifi, 'I-I I, 1H8, H9 and JIM-of the comparator. 'The cathodesd'ZE, i 21, I 28, L29 and 43 flof-said. cathode followers are connected :to ground by =means of load resistors "I 3 I, .I 32, 4- 39, I34 and {I35 shunted by condensers 4 I3"I, IP38, zI IiS and 44.0. The anodes I MJMZ, I43, I M- and -Ifiof said cathode =fo1lowers are connected in :the usual :manner :to a supplyo'f direct current,:not shown. Connected between the cathodes I 2"I--and li2 8-ofccathode followers- I I hand --I- I 8 is the winding IM-iofa contact operating vol-tmeter or polarized relay I'4 'I, -havingamovableelement 231connected-bymeansof resistor I 48 to-one terminal of a supply of direct current =-rela-y ;power. The other-two termina-ls *I 49 and- I 50- of -relay llbare connected to opposite terminals of "the A Winding LEI of a mul-ti -contact relay F52, the terminal 1 50 being fu-rther connected -to lowermost -conta-ct I53 of relay I52. Mo-vahle contact 154, which is associated with contact I53 of relay #1 52, is connected 1 by -means of :connector :to :the rmovableelement 5231 of relay: I141; anct-to-resistor f8. Th'lJ.S,L\Wh8I1'C&E-h0d8 followers t Ia'hand I. .I;8' have; direct current signals :fromgthe integrator; circuits impressedsupom their .-.:control electrodes, volta es will :aoncar cross rcathmle zsresistors :I'32 and 13.3 :and th his-he :of :the :two voltages trill zthe ;-;motabl +31 9 fnen-t 231 of relay M1 to swing in its direction as shown in Figure 8. If cathode follower I I1 is supplying the only or the higher voltagev to swing to the right and contact-terminal I50, thereby completing a direct current power cir cuit to the relay winding I5I through connector- I55, winding I5I, terminal I50, movable element 231, and resistor I48. This 'energization of relay I52 closes contacts I53 and I54 to lock in relay I 52 so that the movable element 231 of relay I41 may thereafter leave terminal I50 without deenergizing relay I52, said relay being deenergized only when the movable element 231 of relay I41 contacts terminal I49 'to' short the relay winding I5I through contacts I53 and I54. The cathode followers I I9 and I20 are connected" in a similar manner to a relay I56 having a winding I51, a movable'element I58 and terminals I59 and I60. Terminals I59 and I60 are likewise connected' to a relay winding I'BI of a relay I90'having associated lock-in contacts I62 and I63 Relays I52 and I90 have additional movable contacts I64 and I65 whichengag'e contacts I66 and I61 connected-to the control electrodes of cathode followers I11 and H9 respectively; The movable contacts I64 and I65 are connected to additional cathode followers I 68 and I69 which have in their cathode circuits arelay I10 having a winding I1I with a movable element I12 and terminals I13 and I14 connected in the same manner as the other groups" of cathode followers. The terminals I13 and I14 are connected to a relay winding I15 of a relay I9I having locking contacts I16 and I1? and-a further movable contact I18 with an associated contact I19. Themovable contact I18 is connected to the controlelectrode I80 of a cathode follower I8I. The cathode circuit of this '-latter cathode follower is operatively connected by means of a connector 249 to another polarized relay I82 having a winding I83 andr'nova-ble element I84, the other side of relay winding I83 being connected to the cathode; of cathode follower II6 which receives its input from the integrator associated with the moderators microphone. 'Relay I 82 has the usual terminals I85 and I86 associated with a relay Winding 181 of a relay I99 having locking contacts I83and I89. Associated with the contacts I64 and I66 of relay I52 and with the contacts I65 and I51of relay I90 and with the contacts I13 and I19 of relay I9I are additional contacts I92, I93 and I9 3; The contact I92 is connected bymeans of a connector I95 to control electrode I23 o f cathf ode followerl I8 which receiv'es-its'input from the-integrator associated with, microphone 2. The contact I93 is connected by means of a connector I96 to the control electrode I of cathode follower I20 which receives its input from the integrator associated with microphone 4. The contact I94 is connected by means of a connector I91 to the control electrode I98 of cathode follower I69 which receives its input 10 through relay contacts I and I61 and connector 24I from the integrator associated with microphone '3. Each of the relays I52, I90, I9I and I99 has still another group of'contacts 200, 20I, 202; 203, 204, 205; 206; 291, 208; and 209, 2I0 and 2I I. Referring to relay I52, contact 202 is connected by connector 2I2 to contact 201 of relay I9I, contact 200 is connected by connector 2I3 to an output terminal lead 2I4, and contact 20I is likewise connected through a connector 2I5 toan output lead 2I6. Referring now to relay I90, contact 203 is connected by connector 2I1 to an output lead 2I8, contact 204 is con-- nected by connector 2I9 to contact 206 of relay I9I, and contact 205 is connected by means of connector 220 to an output lead 22I. Referring torelay I9I, contact 208 is connected by connector 222 to contact 209 of relay I99. The

remaining contacts 2! and 2 of relay I99 are power supply for the clocks, the other terminal of which is connected by means of lead 225 to the output end of the comparator,

At the output of the comparator, output lead 225, which comes directly from the alternating current power supply, is connected to one ter minal of each winding of a group of relay wind-' ings 226, 221, 228, 229 and 230, the other terminals of which are connected to output leads 223, 2I6, 2I4, 22I and2l8 respectively. These relays operate normally closed pairs of contacts 231,232, 233, 234 and 235. Thus when the com'- parator energizes any one, of outputleads 223, 2I6, 2I4, 22I' and 2I8 to supply alternating current power to the proper clock, it simultaneously causesenergization of one of the relay windings 226, 221, 229,229 or 230 which opens one of the pairs of contactsZSI, 232, 233,234 or 235 to re move direct current control potential from that pulser.

The operation of the comparator is as follows: With'the relays in the position shown in Figure 8, which is the normal position at the very beginning ofa program, none of the microphones is delivering an output, and the only clock receiving power is that of the moderator which is energized through contacts H9 and 2 of relay I99. As will be noted, energization of clock M also energizes relay winding 226 which causes contacts 23I to open, thereby removing control potential from the pulser associated with clock M. Each of the other pulser controlrelay windings 221,

228, 229 and 236- is deenergized, thereby leaving contacts 232, 233, 234 and 235 closed so asto supply direct current control potential to the respective pulsers. I Z

If now microphone I is actuated, a signal is supplied from integrator 99 to the control electrode I22 of cathode follower II1, and likewise through contacts I66 and I64 of relay I52 to the control electrode 236 of cathode follower I69, and alsothrcugh contacts I18 and I19 of relay I9I to the control electrode I of cathode follower I8I. The signal on cathode follower II1 will cause movable element 231 to contact terminal I49 which, as previously described, causes no energization of winding I5! and thus causes no change in the contacts of relay I52. The signal on cathode follower I68 will cause movable element I12 to, contact terminal I13 which for similar reasons will cause no movementof the contacts of relay I9I; The signal on cathode follower I8I willcause the movable element I84of-relay I82 to contact terminal.- I85, thereby applying direct cur rent power through connector 238 and resistor 239 to winding I8! of relay I-99 whose-upperterurinal is connected by means of connector 240 to the other terminal of the direct current power supply. Energization of this relay I99- will cause opening ofcontacts 2H3 and 2H, and closing oi contacts ZII and 289, and will cause closing of locking contacts I88 and I89. The opening ofcontacts 2 I8 and 2 I I will remove alternating cur rent power from clock M, thereby allowing con tacts23l of relay winding 226 to close, supplying directcurrent braking power to said clock M. The clock I is now receiving alternating current power through a circuit which may be traced from power supply lead 224 through contacts 2- and 299, connector 222 contacts 298 and 2 Ill, connector 2-I'2, contacts 2 Il-2' and 2M, connector 2H), and output lead 216. This supply ct alternating current power will cause energization of relay winding 22'? thereby opening contacts 232 to remove direct current control potential from the pulser associated with clock I clock I now being energized will remain energized by virtue of its lock-in circuit I3 8 and IE9 until such time assome other microphone causes its clock to take control.

As may be seen in Figure 8, the outputs of the integrators associated with microphones I and 2 are compared by cathode followers II! and H8, whereas the outputs of the integrators associated with microphones 3 and 4 are compared by cathode followers- I I9 and I26. The larger output in each instance is then fed to cathode followers I68 and IE9 where they are compared and the larger fed to cathode follower lt l. This last output to cathode follower I8! is then compared with the output of the cathode follower I I6 associated with the moderators clock The comparator thus assures that one clock, and only one clock, will at all times be energized, and thatthe participant can cause his clock to be energized by merely speaking into his microphone louder than the participant speaking at that time.

. Referring now to Figure 6 which shows the circuit diagram for the fully automatic device, the output lines 223, 21 6', 214, 22I and 2I8 shown in Figure t would be taken out at the top of the comparator as shown in Figure 6. The switches 49, Eli, and 53 of Figure 6 are diagrammatic representations of the final relay switches in the comparator which close the alternating current supply circuit. These switches are also diagrammatic representations of contacts 23I, 232, 233, 234 and 235 in Figure 8 which initiate direct cur rent control potential to the pulsers as is done by switchlI in the illustrative pulser shown in Figure 4. The programis ordinarily initiated by the moderator which will cause actuation of his clock M by the comparator. The moderator ordinarily will then designate a participant to start the discussion and on this particip-ants speaking into his microphone, the comparator will actuatethe necessar relays to cause actuation of his clock and deactuation of the moderators clock. This particip'ants clock will continue to be actuated until the output from his microphone is lower than the output from any one of the other microphones. Thus if he continues to speak in a normal voice. another participant can cause actuaion of his own clock only by speaking louder, but if the first participant ceases to speak, a much lot. or output from another microphone will cause that rhicrophones clock to be actuated and the original participants microphone to be deactuated. When the various clocks have tolled the predetermined period of time, the respective microphones will be deenergizcd and those participants will be effectively cutoff. Such a participant can thereafter only be allowed: to speak by the moderators closing one of the switches 98', ill or 9% which will override the clock switch which deenergized the m-i-cr0phone.-

Although I have shown and described certainspecific embodiments of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are possible, and my invention not to be restricted except insofar as is indicated by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1-. A program device of the class described comprising incombination; a.- pl-urality of microphones, a plurality of timing clocks equal in n-um her to the number of said microphones and associated with saidmicrophones, said clocks beingso situated and of such a size as to be readily readable by an audience; clock actuating and deactuating means, microphone connector means, means for actuating each clock during such time as its associated microphone is delivering an output; means for disconnecting each microphone when its associated clock has run a predetermined total of time.

2.- A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of micrc-- phones, a plurality of timing clocks associated with said microphones and equal in number to the number of said microphones, said. clocks be-' ing so situated and of such a size as to be readily readable by an audience; clock actuating means to sequentially actuate each clock during the time its associated microphone is delivering an output, means to deactuate each clock when said microphone ceases to deliver an output, microphone connector means to disconnect each microphone when its associated clock has run a prodetermined total time.

3. A device for sequentially apportioning a predetermined total period of actuation to a plurality of microphones and for making. such apportionment and the progress thereof visible to a large audience, comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones, a plurality of large clocks associated with said microphones, said large clocks being so situated andof such a size as to be readily readable by an audience, a plurality offollower clocks associated with said large clocks in synchronism therewith, clock. actuating means to sequentially actuate each large clock. and its associated follower clock during the time its associated microphone isdelivering an output, means to deactuate each large clock and its associated follower clock when its microphone ceases to deliver an output and at least one other microphone is delivering an output, microphone connecting means to disconnect each microphone when its associated clock has run a predetermined total time.

4. A program device of the class described com prising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at the will of a plurality of speakers, a load connected to said microphones, a plurality of large clocks associated with said microphones and so situated so as to be readily readable by an audience, means to sequentially actuate said clocks during the time their associated microphones are actuated, and means to disconnect said microphones from said load when their associated clocks have run a predetermined total time.

5. 'In a device for equally and sequentially apportioning a predetermined total period of actua said audience, means foractuating said clocks in seriatim during such times as their associated microphones are delivering an output, and means for deenergizing said microphones whenzsaid clocks have run their allotted portion of said predetermined total period of actuation.

6. In a device for equally and sequentially.ap-.

speakers and for making such apportionment and the progress thereof visible to a large audience, the .combination comprising; a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones and beingpf such a size and so situated as to be readable by said audience, means for actuating said clocks inseriatim during such times as their associated microphones are delivering an output, and means actuated by said clocks for deenergizingv said microphones when said clocks. have run their. allotted portion of said predetermined total perio of actuation. 7. A program device of the class described com-.- prising in combination; a plurality of micro-v phones adapted to be actuated at will by :a plurality of speakers, a load connected to said microphones through a first connecting means, a plurality of large clocks associated with said micro;- phones, said clocks being of such a size and .so situated as to be readily readable by an audience, an alternating current power supply for. said clocks; a direct current braking supply for said clocks, 'a second connecting means connecting said alternating current supply and said clocks, a third connecting means connecting said direct current braking supply and said clocks, said second connecting means being operative-to sequentially supply alternating current power to said clocks during such times as their associated microphones are actuated, said third connecting means being. operative to supply direct current;

braking power to said clocks simultaneous with the disconnection of the alternating current power, and said first connecting means being op-. erative to disconnect said microphones from sa d load when said clocks have run a predetermined period of time.

portionment and the progress thereof visible to a large audiencev comprising inv combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at the will of a plurality of speakers, a load connected to said microphones, a plurality of large clocks so situated and of such a size as to be readily readable by an audience, a-source oralternating current power for said clocks, a sourcerent power when said actuation ceases provided at least one microphone remains actuated, means to energize said source of direct current pulses simultaneously with disconnecting said alternat-:v

8. A device for sequentially apportioninga predetermined total period of; actuation to ja plus rality of microphones and for making such aping -current power to supply a direct current pulse to the clock whose alternating current power is terminated, and means to disconnect said microphones from said loads when the respective clocks have run a predetermined total time.

- 9. A program device of the class described com-' prising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at will by a plurality of speakers, a load connected to said microphones through a first connecting means including a group of switches, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones and being so situated and of such a size as to be readily readable by an audience, an alternating current power supply for said clocks, a direct current braking supply for said clocks, second connecting means between said alternating current supply and said clocks including a group of switches closable one at a time, third connecting means between said direct current braking supply and said clocks including a group of switches closable one at a time, the direct current switch for a given clock being closable only when the alternating current switch for that clock is open, said second" connecting means being operative to sequentially supply alternating current power to said clocks when their associated microphones are actuated, said third connecting means being operative to supply direct current braking power to said clocks when the alternating current power is removed, and said first connecting means being operative to disconnect said microphones from said load when said clocks have run a predetermined period of time.

10. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of energized microphones adapted to be actuated at willby a plurality of speakers, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said clocks being of such a size and so situated as to be readily viewable by an audience, means for comparing the magnitude of the output of said plurality of microphones," means for supplying motive power to each clock during such time its microphone is actuated provided only one microphone is'actuated, said comparing means being operative during simultaneous actuation of a plurality of said microphones to cooperate with said means for supplying motive power to supply motive power to only that clock whose associated microphone is delivering the largest output, and means for deenergizing each microphone when its associated clock has run a predetermined total time.

'11. A program device of the class describedphones through a first connecting means, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said clocks being so situated and of such a size as to be readily viewable by an audience, an al-- ternating current power supply for running said clocks, a' direct current power supply for braking said clocks, means to connect said alternating current power to said clocks, means to connect said direct current power to said clocks, said means for comparing the magnitude of said microphone outputs being operative to cause con-' nest-ion of'said alternating current power to the clock associated With the microphone delivering the output of the highest magnitude and also" being operative to simultaneously disconnect said direct current power from said clock, and means aessrsao 15 for opening said first connecting means to any or said microphonesv when the clock associated with such microphone has run for a predetermined period of. time.

12. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at will by a plurality of. speakers, means for comparing the magnitude of the output of said plurality of microphones, aload connected to said microphones through a first connecting means, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said: clocksbeing so situated and of such a size as to be readily viewable by an audience, an alternating current power supply for running said clocks, a direct current power supply for braking said clocks, means to connect said alternating current power to said clocks, means to connect said. direct current power to said clocks, said means for comparing the magnitude of said-v microphone outputs being operative to: cause connection of said alternating current power to the clock associated with the microphone delivering the output of the highest magnitude and also being operative to simultaneously disconnect said direct current power from said clock, and means actuated by said clocks to open said first connecting means to any of said microphones when the clock associated with such microphone has run for a predetermined period of time.

13'. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at will by a plurality of speakers, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said clocks being of such a size and. so situated as to be readily viewable by an audience, load means for said microphones, a first connecting means for connecting said microphones to said lead means, an alternating current power supply for said clocks, a second connecting means for connecting said clocksv to said alternating current supply, a direct current supply for said clocks, a third connecting meansfor connecting said clocks to said direct current supply, individual integrator means receiving an ing means to connect said alternating current supply to that clock whose associated microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output, a second means associated with said comparing means for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said direct current supply from said clock whose microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output and for causing said third connecting means to supply direct current power to the remaining clocks, and means for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said microphones from said load when their associated clocks have run for predetermined periods of time.

14. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at will by a plurality of speakers, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said clocks being of such a size and so situated as to be readily viewable by an audience, load means for said microphones, a first connecting means for connecting said microphones to said load means, an alternating current power supply for said clocks, a second connecting means for connecting said clocks to said alternating current supply, a di- I6 rect current supply for said clocks, a thirdconnecting means for connecting said clocks.- to

said direct current supply, individual integrator means receiving an input irom individual microphones, means for comparingply tothat clock whose associated microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest out.- put, a second means associated with said com:- paring means for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said direct current supply from said clock whose microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output and for causing said third connecting means to supply direct current power to the remaining clocks, means for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said microphones from said load when their associated clocks have run for predetermined periods of time, and means for reconnecting said disconnected microphones to said load at will.

15. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at will be a plurality of speakers, a plurality of clocks asso-- ciated with said microphones, said clocks being of such a size and so situated as to be readily viewable by an audience, load means for said microphones, a first connecting means for connecting said microphones to said load means, an alternating current power supply for said clocks, a second connecting means for connecting said clocks to said alternating current supply, a direct current supply for said clocks, a third connecting means for connecting said clocks to said direct current supply, individual integrator means receiving an input from individual microphones, means for comparing the magnitude of the outputs of said integrator means, means associated with said comparing means to cause said second connecting means to connect said alternating current supply to that clock whose associated microphone is causing its' integrator to deliver the largest output, a second means associated with said comparing means for causing said third connecting. means to disconnect said direct current supply from said clock whose microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output and for causing said third connecting means to supply direct current power to the remaining clocks, and means actuated by said clocks for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said microphone from said load when said clocks have run predetermined periods of time.

16. A program device of the class described comprising in combination; a plurality of microphones adapted to be actuated at Will by a plurality of speakers, a plurality of clocks associated with said microphones, said clocks being of such a size and so situated as to be readily viewable by an audience, load means for said microphones, a first connecting means for connecting said microphones to said load means, an alternating current power supply for said clocks, a second connecting means for connecting said clocks to said alternating current supply, a direct current supply for-said clocks, a third connecting means for connecting said clocks to said direct current supply, individual integrator means receiving an input from individual microphones, means for comparing the magnitude of 17 the outputs of said integrator means, means actuated by said comparing means to cause said second connecting means to connect said alternating current supply to that clock whose associated microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output, a second means actuated by said comparing means for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said direct current supply from said clock Whose microphone is causing its integrator to deliver the largest output and for causing said third connecting means to supply direct current power to the remaining clocks, and means actuated by said clocks for causing said third connecting means to disconnect said microphones from said 15 2,539,754

VWILLIAM B. DOLPH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 946,380 Manson Jan. 11, 1910 1,443,451 Andersen Jan. 30, 1923 1,480,403 Littig et a1. Jan. 8, 1924 1,897,533 Richey Feb. 14, 1933 2,398,677 Stockfeld Apr. 16, 1946 Rettinger Jan. 30, 1951 

